Mimetic Rivalries and Militaristic Narratives

 

Mimetic Rivalries and Militaristic Narratives: Islamic Migration to 21st-Century Europe Through the Lens of René Girard’s Theory and the Qur’an as Terrorist Literature

Abstract

This thesis examines the phenomenon of 21st-century Islamic migration to Europe through the lens of René Girard’s mimetic theory, positing it as a form of colonization driven by mimetic rivalry and scapegoating mechanisms. It further argues that the Qur’an, when analyzed beyond traditional religious interpretations, functions as a strategic war manual that aligns with Western definitions of terrorist literature, thereby exacerbating cultural and societal conflicts. Drawing on demographic data, historical analyses, sociological studies, and theological critiques from diverse scholarly sources, the work substantiates these claims while acknowledging counterarguments. The analysis reveals how mimetic desires fuel tensions between European host societies and Muslim immigrant communities, leading to cycles of violence and identity crises. Ultimately, the thesis calls for a reevaluation of integration policies to mitigate escalating rivalries.

Introduction

The 21st century has witnessed unprecedented levels of migration from Muslim-majority countries to Europe, reshaping the continent’s demographic, cultural, and political landscape. This movement, often framed as humanitarian or economic, bears hallmarks of colonization when viewed through René Girard’s mimetic theory—a framework that explains human conflict as arising from imitative desires leading to rivalry and scapegoating. Concurrently, interpretations of the Qur’an as a text promoting conquest and warfare, rather than solely spiritual guidance, provide ideological fuel for this process, meeting criteria for terrorist literature under Western legal and scholarly standards.

This thesis integrates interdisciplinary sources, including demographic statistics, anthropological theories, religious studies, and political analyses, to construct a robust argument. It addresses the mimetic underpinnings of cultural clashes, the strategic militaristic elements in Qur’anic exegesis, and their implications for European society. While recognizing diverse Muslim perspectives and integration successes, the work highlights patterns of rivalry that threaten Western civilization’s cohesion.

Chapter 1: Demographic Shifts and the Notion of Islamic Colonization in 21st-Century Europe

Europe’s Muslim population has grown significantly since 2000, driven by immigration, higher birth rates, and conversions. In 2010, Muslims numbered approximately 44.1 million, projected to reach 58.2 million by 2030, constituting about 8% of Europe’s population.  By 2050, under moderate migration scenarios, this could rise to 11.2%.  Key entry points include Germany (over 1.5 million Muslim migrants from 2010-2023), Sweden (500,000+), and the UK (400,000+).  This influx originates predominantly from Muslim-majority regions in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. 

Theories of “Islamic colonization” suggest this migration is not merely passive but strategic, echoing historical Arab-Muslim expansions.  Proponents argue that unchecked immigration transforms European societies, with demands for Sharia accommodations and cultural adaptations signaling a reversal of colonial dynamics.  For instance, increasing anti-immigrant sentiments correlate with rising anti-Muslim attitudes, averaging higher prevalence across Europe. 

Counterarguments dismiss this as Islamophobic conspiracy, such as the “Eurabia” theory, emphasizing economic motivations and successful integrations.  However, scholarly works note that multiculturalism has enabled parallel societies, potentially fostering long-term shifts in power structures.  Historical parallels to European colonialism are critiqued as anachronistic, yet contemporary patterns—such as calls for caliphate-like governance—lend credence to colonization narratives. 

Chapter 2: René Girard’s Mimetic Theory: Foundations and Societal Applications

René Girard’s mimetic theory posits that human desire is imitative (mimetic), leading individuals to covet what others desire, escalating into rivalry and conflict.  This culminates in mimetic crises, resolved through scapegoating—a collective violence against a victim to restore order.  Archaic societies channeled this into sacrificial rituals, while modern ones rely on judicial systems, though crises persist in intergroup tensions. 

Girard applies this to religious conflicts, arguing Christianity uniquely exposes the scapegoat mechanism via Christ’s innocent sacrifice, undermining mythical violence.  In societal contexts, mimetic theory explains how equality paradoxically intensifies rivalry by removing hierarchical barriers.  It has been extended to consumer societies, political divisions, and interfaith clashes, where imitation breeds envy and violence. 

Chapter 3: Mimetic Rivalry in the Context of Islamic Migration to Europe

Applying Girard’s framework, Islamic migration triggers mimetic rivalry between European natives and Muslim immigrants. Europeans, desiring cultural preservation, imitate perceived “invasions,” scapegoating Muslims as threats to identity.  Conversely, immigrants mimic Western prosperity, leading to rivalries over resources and status. 

Historical Islam-Christianity hostilities, from Crusades to colonialism, exemplify mimetic cycles: mutual imitation of conquest desires fuels perpetual conflict.  In 21st-century Europe, this manifests in populist surges against “Islamization,” with Muslims positioned as scapegoats for societal ills.  Girardian analyses of Islam suggest its theology, by denying Christ’s sacrificial revelation, perpetuates mimetic violence.  Dialogues between Christianity and Islam through mimetic lenses reveal roots in shared desires for divine favor, escalating into crises. 

Counterviews argue mimetic theory promotes understanding, reducing violence via empathy.  Yet, in migration contexts, unaddressed rivalries risk apocalyptic escalations, as Girard warns. 

Chapter 4: The Qur’an as a War Instruction Manual: Scholarly Reinterpretations

Traditional views see the Qur’an as a spiritual guide, but alternative interpretations frame it as a military strategy text.  Verses on jihad evolve from spiritual struggle to armed conflict, particularly in Medinan suras advocating warfare against non-believers.  Scholarly analyses highlight prohibitions on aggression but compel defense, mirroring just war theories. 

Critics argue its textual emphasis on conquest—e.g., strategies for battle and subjugation—resembles a war manual, exploited by extremists.  Historical contexts show Muhammad’s military engagements as tactical, with the Qur’an providing ethical warfare guidelines.  Peaceful reinterpretations exist, but militaristic readings dominate in conflict zones. 

Chapter 5: Aligning the Qur’an with Western Criteria for Terrorist Literature

Western criteria for terrorist literature include incitement to violence, promotion of hatred, and strategic guidance for asymmetric warfare. Certain Qur’anic interpretations meet these, as seen in Islamist terrorism’s use of verses for justification.  Groups like ISIS cite suras to legitimize attacks, framing them as jihad. 

Critiques label such views Islamophobic, emphasizing contextual exegesis and non-violent majorities.  However, post-9/11 analyses link misinterpretations to radicalism, with the Qur’an seen as a source for “war on terror” narratives.  Scholarly works rebut by highlighting peace verses, yet persistent extremist appropriations align it with terrorist criteria. 

Conclusion

Through Girard’s mimetic theory, 21st-century Islamic migration emerges as a colonizing force driven by rival desires, amplified by Qur’anic militaristic interpretations fitting terrorist literature definitions. Substantiated by demographic trends and scholarly critiques, this thesis urges proactive policies to break mimetic cycles, fostering genuine integration over rivalry.

Bibliography (Index by Title and Author)

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